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Abstract

This research analyzed the student school spirit at a small Christian university to gain understanding of ways to better facilitate growth of school spirit on campus. The measurement of school spirit was based on four characteristics: ethos, sense of community, rituals and traditions and a combination of participation, loyalty, and pride. The researcher conducted three focus groups based on class standings of senior, junior, and sophomore. Each group had six to nine randomly and purposively selected participants. Results showed that the people, the place, and the purpose of the school were significant to the students, and the students’ definition of school spirit was a combination of participation, loyalty, and pride. The findings suggest that the university does have a healthy school spirit, although the contributing factors vary from student to student.